Panel Connection Assembly, Building Panel and Building Construction Method Utilising a Panel Connection Assembly

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a panel connection assembly ( 10 ) for connecting adjoining prefabricated building panels ( 200,400 ). The panel connection assembly ( 10 ) comprises an elongate first component ( 20 ) adapted for connection to a surface of a first panel ( 200 ) and an elongate second component  40  adapted for connection to a surface of a second panel ( 400 ), such that when the first and second panels ( 200,400 ) are joined in use, the first and second components  20, 40  are sandwiched between the panels. A first locking member ( 60 ) is removably engageable with the first and second components ( 20,40 ) for restraining the first and second components against shearing movement orthogonal to their longitudinal axes ( 22,42 ). A second locking member ( 80 ) is removably engageable with the first and second components  20, 40  for restraining the first and second components against movement away from one another orthogonal to their longitudinal axes ( 22, 42 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2010902421, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a panel connection assembly, to a building panel and to a building construction method utilising a panel connection assembly.

The panel connection assembly, panel, and building construction method have been developed particularly for use in erecting housing at remote sites, temporary housing and/or low cost housing, and will be described hereinafter with reference to these applications. However, it will be appreciated that the panel connection assembly, panel, and construction method are not limited to these applications and may also be used for erecting other buildings or containers, or for display partitions/panels, internal walls and partitioning (such as office partitioning or internal building walls), fencing, barriers and screens, flooring, ceilings and roofing.

BACKGROUND

Conventional building techniques, which include brick veneer, double brick, steel frame with external cladding, and timber frame with external cladding, typically require skilled labourers and specialist tools. Moreover, with conventional building techniques, buildings often take several months to construct.

The erection of buildings in remote locations using conventional techniques can therefore be problematic, as skilled labour is often not available locally.

Speed of construction is often highly desirable when constructing buildings in response to natural disasters or other emergencies. Accordingly, erection of buildings in such situations using conventional techniques requires undesirably long construction times.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

SUMMARY

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”; will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

In a first aspect, there is provided a panel connection assembly for connecting adjoining panels, the panel connection assembly comprising:

an elongate first component adapted for connection to a surface of a first panel;

an elongate second component adapted for connection to a surface of a second panel;

a first locking member removably engageable with the first and second components for restraining the first and second components against shearing movement orthogonal to their longitudinal axes;

at least one second locking member removably engageable with the first and second components for restraining the first and second components against movement away from one another orthogonal to their longitudinal axes.

The first component may comprise one or more pieces extending at least two thirds of the length, and in some embodiments substantially a full length, of said surface of the first panel. The second component may comprise one or more pieces extending at least two thirds of the length, and in some embodiments substantially a full length of said surface of the second panel. The first component may, in use, be sandwiched between the first and second panels. The second component may, in use, be sandwiched between the first and second panels.

The first and second components may be of substantially the same length. The first locking member may comprise one or more pieces having a length, or, in the case of the first locking member being formed from a plurality of pieces, a combined length, that is at least two thirds of the length of the first and second components. In some embodiments, the first locking member may comprise one or more pieces having a length, or, in the case of the first locking member being formed from a plurality of pieces, a combined length, that is substantially equal to the length of the first and second components. The second locking member may comprise one or more pieces having a length, or, in the case of the second locking member being formed from a plurality of pieces, a combined length, that is at least two thirds of the length of the first and second components. In some embodiments, the second locking member may comprise one or more pieces having a length, or, in the case of the second locking member being formed from a plurality of pieces, a combined length, that is substantially equal to the length of the first and second components.

The first component may include an opening extending longitudinally therethrough, the second component may also include an opening extending longitudinally therethrough, the first locking member being slidably engageable in the opening of the first component and the opening of the second component.

The opening of the first component may be defined by a longitudinally extending channel in a surface of the first component. The opening of the second component may be defined by a longitudinally extending channel in a surface of the second component. The openings of the first and second components may align to define a unitary opening in which the first locking member is slidably engageable.

At least one sidewall of the opening of the first component may include at least one groove or projection that is engageable by a corresponding projection or groove on the first locking member to restrain the first locking member in the opening of the first component against movement toward the second component.

At least one sidewall of the opening of the second component may include at least one groove or projection that is engageable by a corresponding projection or groove on the first locking member to restrain the first locking member in the opening of the second component against movement toward the first component.

At least one first anchor may extend from the first component for connecting the first component to the first panel. The of least one first anchor may include a prong for engaging a slot in the first panel. The prong may include a serrated edge.

At least one second anchor may extend from the second component for connecting the second component to the second panel. The at least one second anchor may include a prong for engaging a slot in the second panel. The prong of the second anchor may include a serrated edge.

First projections may extend from opposite sides of the first component, in a direction generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first component, and corresponding second projections may extend from opposite sides of the second component, in a direction generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the second component to define corresponding pairs of first and second projections on each side of the assembly. Two said second locking members may be provided, each being engageable around one of the corresponding pairs of first and second projections to restrain the first and second components against movement away from one another orthogonal to their longitudinal axes. A fastener, such as a screw fastener, may be engageable between the second locking member and third and fourth components for securing the second locking member to the third and fourth components. The first and second projections may be formed, respectively, on third and fourth elongate components engageable with the first and second components. The anchor(s) may also be formed on the third and fourth components. The second locking member may be snap-lockingly engageable with the third and fourth components.

The at least one second locking member may include a face plate adapted to cover a gap between the first and second panels. The width of the face plate, measured in a direction orthogonal to a plane defined by a contact surface between the first and second components, may be equal to a sum of the widths of the first and second components measured in the same direction, such that the face plate is adapted to be flush with opposing surfaces of the first and second panels.

Materials used in the panel connection assembly may be formed from environmentally sustainable materials. The first and second components, and the first locking member, may be formed from one or more recyclable plastics materials. The core may be formed from a recyclable material, such as a recyclable foam material.

In a second aspect, there is provided a pre-fabricated panel for a building, the panel being generally planar and having a first major side and a second major side, the panel comprising:

a core formed from a thermally insulative material;

a first skin layer extending over the core on the first major side of the panel;

a second skin layer extending over the core on the second major side of the panel;

at least one opening in the panel for receiving an anchor of a panel connection assembly as defined in the first aspect above.

The at least one opening is preferably in the form of a slot.

The core may be formed from a foam material, more preferably phenolic foam. Alternatively, the core may be formed from other insulative materials, such as solid timber or a honeycombed plastics material. The core may be between 30 mm and 150 mm thick, and in some embodiments between 60 mm and 100 mm thick.

The first skin layer may be formed from a pre-finished material. The first skin layer may be formed from fibre cement sheet, preferably of approximately 4.5 mm thickness. Alternatively, the first skin layer may be formed from plywood, plastic laminate, resin sheet material, metal sheet, or plasterboard.

The second skin layer may be formed from a pre-finished material. The second skin layer may be formed from fibre cement sheet, which is in some embodiments has a thickness of approximately 4.5 mm. Alternatively, the second skin layer may be formed from plywood, plastic laminate, resin sheet material, metal sheet, or plasterboard.

A structural frame may extend at least partially around the core. The at least one slot may extend into the structural frame. The frame may be formed from timber frame elements. The timber frame elements may be treated to provide resistance to insect damage. The timber frame elements may be treated to provide resistance to climatic damage. The timber frame elements may have at least one dimension of between 10 mm and 100 mm, in some embodiments of between 20 mm and 70 mm, in some embodiments of between 30 and 60 mm, and in some embodiments of approximately 45 mm, when viewed in transverse cross-section. In alternative embodiments, the frame may be formed from structural elements formed from other materials, such as steel or plastic.

The frame may include at least one opening for receiving at least one anchor of a panel connection assembly for interconnecting adjacent panels.

The first skin layer may completely covers the frame when viewed from the first major side of the panel. The second skin layer may completely covers the frame when viewed from the second major side of the panel.

The panel may have a mass of less than 70 kg. In some embodiments, the panel has a mass of less than 50 kg. In some embodiments, the panel has a mass of approximately 40 kg.

The first skin layer may be connected to the frame, and in some embodiments also to the core, by an adhesive. The second skin layer may be connected to the frame, and in some embodiments also to the core, by an adhesive.

The panel may be adapted for connection to an adjoining panel using a panel connection assembly as defined in the first aspect above. The panel may be connected to an adjoining panel using a panel connection assembly as defined in the first aspect above.

In a third aspect, there is provided a method of constructing a wall of a structure, the method comprising:

providing a plurality of pre-fabricated panels according to the second aspect above;

providing a panel connection assembly in one of the panels;

connecting said one panel to an adjoining one of the panels using the panel connection assembly.

The panel connection assembly may be a panel connection assembly as defined in the first aspect above. However, in other embodiments, the panel connection assembly may include a latch assembly located in the one panel and a catch assembly located in the adjoining one of said panels, the latch assembly being actuable to engage a latch of the latch assembly with a catch of the catch assembly. In such alternative embodiments, the latch assembly may be actuable using a hand-held tool, such as a hex key or screwdriver.

The present disclosure also extends to a barrier, such as a wall, floor, ceiling or roof, constructed in accordance with the method defined in the third aspect above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a panel connection assembly connecting adjoining panels to form a barrier;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are, respectively, perspective views of an elongate first component and an elongate second component of the panel connection assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the elongate first component of FIG. 2, shown connected to a first panel;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the elongate first component of FIG. 2, shown connected to a first panel and with a first locking member connected thereto;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the elongate first component of FIG. 2, shown connected to a first panel, with a first locking member connected thereto, with a second panel connected to the first locking member and thereby to the first panel, and with a second locking member ready for connection to the first and second panels;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the components of FIG. 5 when fully assembled to lock the adjoining first and second panels together;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a panel for use with the panel connection assembly of FIGS. 1-6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a panel connection assembly connecting adjoining panels to form a barrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown a panel connection assembly 10 for connecting adjoining prefabricated building panels 200, 400. The panel connection assembly 10 comprises an elongate first component 20 adapted for connection to a surface of a first panel 200 and an elongate second component 40 adapted for connection to a surface of a second panel 400, such that when the first and second panels 200, 400 are joined in use, the first and second components 20, 40 are sandwiched between the panels. The first and second components 20, 40 are identical, but one is rotated relative to the other by 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis 22, 42. The first and second components 20, 40 are formed from a recyclable structural plastics material. A first locking member 60, also formed from a recyclable structural plastics material, is removably engageable with the first and second components 20, 40 for restraining the first and second components against shearing movement orthogonal to their longitudinal axes 22, 42. A second locking member 80, formed from extruded aluminium, is removably engageable with the first and second components 20, 40 for restraining the first and second components against movement away from one another orthogonal to their longitudinal axes 22, 42. As shown, the length of the first and second locking members 60, 80 is the same as the length of the first and second components 20, 40.

As best shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first and second components 20, 40 each include an opening 24, 44 extending longitudinally therethrough, defined by longitudinally extending channels in respective surfaces 26, 46 of the first and second components. The openings 24, 44 of the first and second components align to define a unitary opening in which the first locking member 60 is slidably engageable, as best seen in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6.

Sidewalls of the opening of the first component include grooves 28 that are engageable by corresponding projections 62 on the first locking member 60 to restrain the first locking member in the opening 24 of the first component 20 against movement toward the second component 40. Similarly, sidewalls of the opening of the second component 40 include grooves 48 that are engageable by corresponding projections 64 on the first locking member 60 to restrain the first locking member in the opening 44 of the second component 40 against movement toward the first component 20. The projections 62 are angular to increase the amount of force required to disengage the first locking member 60 from the first component 20. However, the projections 64 are rounded to reduce the amount of force required to disengage the first locking member 60 from the second component 40.

A pair of first anchors 92 extends from the first component 20 for connecting the first component 20 to the first panel 200. The first anchors 92 include prongs for engaging a slot 202 in the first panel. The prongs 92 include a serrated edge 94 for increasing friction between the prongs 92 and the slot 202 and/or for dispersing glue, applied to the serrated edge 94, into the slot 202. Similarly, a pair of second anchors 102 extends from the second component 40 for connecting the second component 40 to the second panel 400. The second anchors 102 include prongs for engaging a slot 402 in the second panel. The prongs 102 include a serrated edge 104 for increasing friction between the prongs 102 and the slot 402 and/or for dispersing glue, applied to the serrated edge 104, into the slot 402.

First projections 96 extend from opposite sides of the first component 20, in a direction generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 22 of the first component, and corresponding second projections 106 extend from opposite sides of the second component 40, in a direction generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 42 of the second component to define corresponding pairs of first and second projections on each side of the assembly 10. A gap 150 is defined between the first and second projections 96, 106. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the second locking member 80 is engageable around each of the corresponding pairs of first and second projections 96, 106 to restrain the first and second components 20, 40 against movement away from one another orthogonal to their longitudinal axes 22, 42. The first and second projections 96, 106 are formed, respectively, on pairs of third and fourth elongate components 90, 100, formed from extruded aluminium. The third and fourth components 90, 100 each include longitudinally extending channels 98 a, 108 a engageable by corresponding longitudinally extending projections 29 a, 49 a on the first and second components 20, 40. The third and fourth components 90, 100 also each include longitudinally extending ribs 98 b, 108 b engageable with corresponding longitudinally extending grooves 29 b, 49 b on the first and second components 20, 40. The anchors 92, 102 are also formed on the third and fourth components 90, 100. The second locking member 80 is snap-lockingly engageable with the third and fourth components 90, 100, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the second locking member 80 includes a face plate 82 adapted to cover a gap between the first and second panels 200, 400. The width of the face plate 82, measured in a direction orthogonal to a plane defined by a contact surface between the first and second components 20, 40, is equal to a sum of the widths of the first and second components 20, 40 measured in the same direction, such that the face plate 82 is adapted to be flush with opposing surfaces of the first and second panels 200, 400. The width of the face plate 82 is also equal to the distance between the mutually opposed ends of the adjoining panels 200, 400 when connected by the panel connection assembly 10.

It will be appreciated that the width of the first and second components 20, 40 is chosen to suit the thickness of the panels 200, 400 with which the panel connection assembly 10 is to be used. For thicker panels, the first and second components 20, 40 are wider to ensure that the face plates 82 finish flush with the surface of the panels, and vice versa for thinner panels.

Detailed views of the pre-fabricated building panel 200, 400 are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The panel is generally planar and has a first major side 204, 404 and a second major side 206, 406. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 200, 400 comprises a core. 208, 408 formed from a thermally insulative material, with a structural frame 210, 410 extending around the core, a first skin layer 212, 412 extending over the core on the first major side of the panel, and a second skin layer 214, 414 extending over the core on the second major side of the panel. The skin layers are connected to the frame, and typically also to the core 208, 408, by an adhesive. The first skin layer 212, 412 completely covers the frame 210, 410 when viewed from the first major side 204, 404 of the panel and the second skin layer 214 414 completely covers the frame 210, 410 when viewed from the second major side 206, 406 of the panel.

The core 208, 408 is formed from phenolic foam and is approximately 70 mm thick for panels 200, 400 of 80 mm thickness or approximately 90 mm thick for panels of 100 mm thickness.

The first 212, 412 and second 214, 414 skin layers are formed from pre-finished fibre cement sheets of approximately 4.5 mm thickness.

The frame 210, 410 is formed from timber frame elements, including two vertical members that extend along opposite sides of the core and two horizontal members that extend along the top and bottom of the core. The frame members include pairs of slots 202, 402 for receiving the anchors 92, 102 of the panel connection assembly 10. In transverse cross-section, the timber frame elements have one dimension of approximately 45 mm and another dimension matching that of the core 208, 408 thickness (i.e. by 70 mm or 90 mm) The timber frame elements are treated to provide resistance to insect and climatic damage.

Embodiments of the panels 200, 400 having a 90 mm×45 mm timber frame, have a mass of approximately 40 kg, so as to be easily carried by two people.

To construct a wall 500, two of the panels 200, 400 are placed adjacent one another. The panels may be provided with a panel connection assembly 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-6. In other embodiments, the panels may be provided with an alternative panel connection assembly, such as the Type 3 Latch manufactured by Norse fasteners, which includes a latch assembly locatable in one panel and a catch assembly locatable in the adjoining panel, the latch assembly being actuable to engage a latch of the latch assembly with a catch of the catch assembly. The latch assembly is actuable using a hand-held tool, in the form of a hex key or screwdriver.

If the panel connection assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-6 is used, the panels 200, 400 are connected by assembling the first and third components 90, 20, 90 together, as shown in FIG. 2A. The assembled first and third components 90, 20, 90 are then engaged along an edge of the first panel 200 by engaging the anchors 92 in the slots 202 in the panel, as shown in FIG. 3. The first and third components 90, 20, 90 are glued, using adhesive, to any surface of the panel 200 with which they are intended to engage. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2B, the second and fourth components 100, 40, 100 are assembled together and then engaged along a corresponding edge of the second panel 400 by engaging the anchors 102 of the fourth components in the slots 402 in the second panel. The second and fourth components 100, 40, 100 are glued, using adhesive, to any surface of the panel 400 with which they are intended to engage. Next, the first locking member 60 is engaged in the opening 24 of the first component until the angular projection 62 engages the groove 28, as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the second panel 400, with its parts of the connection assembly 10 attached, is then engaged with the first panel 200 by engaging the opening 44 in the second component 40 with an end of the first locking member 60 projecting from the first component 20. At this point, the panels 200, 400 are secured against shearing movement orthogonal to their longitudinal axes by the first locking member 60. To secure the panels 200, 400 against movement away from one another orthogonal to their longitudinal axes, the second locking member 80 is engaged with the projections 96, 106 on each side of the third and fourth components 90, 100, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, to finish flush with the major surfaces of the panels 200, 400. The second locking member is held in place by snap-locking engagement with the third and fourth components 90, 100. Whilst not required for structural reasons, to deter unauthorised disassembly of the assembled wall, a screw fastener (not shown) is preferably installed through the face plate 82 and into the gap 150 to engage the first and second projections 96, 106 on either side of the gap 150. A longitudinally extending groove 84 is provided centrally in the face plate to facilitate alignment of the screw fastener with the gap 150.

Disassembly of the wall is achieved by reversing the above steps.

A second embodiment of a panel connection assembly 10 and wall 500 using same is shown in FIG. 9, where reference numerals corresponding with those of FIGS. 1-8 indicate corresponding features with corresponding functions. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, however, the anchors 92, 102 are replaced by anchors 99, 109, which are formed in the third and fourth components 90, 100 and extend away from the first and second components 20, 40 for engagement with the first major surfaces 204, 404 and second major surfaces 206, 406 of the panels 200, 400.

It will be appreciated that the panel connection assembly 10, panels 200, 400 and method described above with reference to the drawings can be used to facilitate joining panels side by side or one on top of another to form structural walls or non-load bearing walls for external or internal application. The panel connection assembly 10, panels 200, 400 and method can also be modified by providing the slots 202, 402 in major surfaces of the panels to facilitate joining panels at right-angles and other angles. It will also be appreciated that the panel connection assembly 10, panels 200, 400 and method can be used by unskilled workers without the need for special tools. The panel connection assembly 10, panels 200, 400 and method also facilitate very fast barrier (eg. wall, ceiling, floor and roof) construction and allow for easy disassembly and re-use.

An advantage of the illustrated panels 200, 400 is that they can be prefinished in the factory. A further advantage is that the panels 200, 400 can generally be recovered for reuse after a building containing the panels is disassembled. However, if the panels are damaged or otherwise unsuitable for reuse, the phenolic foam cores 208, 408 can be recovered and potentially converted into recycled plastic fuel and/or used as solid fuel at steel plants and paper plants. Research into such secondary uses of recycled phenolic foam is currently underway. Depending on the particular materials chosen for the skins and frame, the skins and frame of the panels 200, 400 can also typically be recycled using conventional techniques.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the specific embodiments described above with reference to the drawings without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Examples of possible modifications include, but are not limited to:

-   -   one or both of the panel skin layers being formed from plywood,         plastic laminate, resin sheet material, metal sheet, or         plasterboard;     -   the panel frame being constructed from structural elements         formed from other structural materials, such as steel or         plastics;     -   the panel core being formed from other thermally insulative, or         non-thermally insulative, materials, such as solid timber or         honeycombed plastics materials;     -   the first and second components of the panel connection assembly         being formed from metal (eg. aluminium) or another structural         material;     -   the third and fourth components of the panel connection assembly         being formed from other structural materials, such as structural         plastics;     -   omitting the panel frame 210, 410 and connecting the skin layers         212, 214, 412, 414 directly to the core 208, 408, especially in         thin panel embodiments and/or where the skin layers are formed         from high-strength materials, such as metal;     -   scaling panel sizes up or down as required;     -   modifying the panel connection assembly to allow for connection         of panels at angles between 0 degrees and 180 degrees;     -   the first and/or second components 20, 40 having a length less         than that of the respective first and second panels 200, 400,         such as approximately two thirds of the length of the respective         first and second panels;     -   segmenting the first and/or second components 20, 40 into a         plurality of independent pieces, each of which is engageable         with a respective one of the first and second panels 200, 400,         such that the pieces in combination extend at least two thirds         of the length of the respective first and second panels, and in         some embodiments substantially a full length of the respective         first and second panels;     -   the first and/or second locking members 60, 80 having a length         less than that of the respective first and second components 20,         40, such as approximately two thirds of the length of the         respective first and second components; and/or     -   segmenting the first and/or second locking members 60, 80 into a         plurality of independent pieces, each of which is engageable         with a respective one of the first and second components 20, 40,         such that the pieces in combination extend at least two thirds         of the length of the respective first and second components, and         in some embodiments substantially a full length of the         respective first and second components. 

1. A panel connection assembly for connecting adjoining panels, the panel connection assembly comprising: an elongate first component adapted for connection to a surface of a first panel; an elongate second component adapted for connection to a surface of a second panel; a first locking member removably engageable with the first and second components for restraining the first and second components against shearing movement orthogonal to their longitudinal axes; at least one second locking member removably engageable with the first and second components for restraining the first and second components against movement away from one another orthogonal to their longitudinal axes.
 2. A panel connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first component comprises one or more pieces having a combined length that is at least two thirds of the length of said surface of the first panel.
 3. A panel connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second component comprises one or more pieces having a combined length that is at least two thirds of the length of said surface of the second panel.
 4. A panel connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein, in use, the first and second components are sandwiched between the first and second panels.
 5. A panel connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first locking member comprises one or more pieces having a combined length that is at least two thirds of the length of the first and second components.
 6. A panel connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second locking member comprises one or more pieces having a combined length that is at least two thirds of the length of the first and second components.
 7. A panel connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first component comprises an opening extending longitudinally therethrough, the second component also comprising an opening extending longitudinally therethrough, the first locking member being slidably engageable in the opening of the first component and the opening of the second component.
 8. A panel connection assembly according to claim 7, wherein the openings of the first and second components align to define a unitary opening in which the first locking member is slidably engageable.
 9. A panel connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one sidewall of the opening of the first component includes at least one groove or projection that is engageable by a corresponding projection or groove on the first locking member to restrain the first locking member in the opening of the first component against movement toward the second component, wherein at least one sidewall of the opening of the second component includes at least one groove or projection that is engageable by a corresponding projection or groove on the first locking member to restrain the first locking member in the opening of the second component against movement toward the first component.
 10. A panel connection assembly according to claim 1, comprising at least one first anchor extending from the first component for connecting the first component to the first panel, and at least one second anchor extending from the second component for connecting the second component to the second panel.
 11. A panel connection assembly according to claim 1, comprising first projections extending from opposite sides of the first component in a direction generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first component, and corresponding second projections extending from opposite sides of the second component, in a direction generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the second component to define corresponding pairs of first and second projections on each side of the assembly, wherein two of said second locking members are provided, each of said locking members being engageable around one of the corresponding pairs of first and second projections to restrain the first and second components against movement away from one another orthogonal to their longitudinal axes.
 12. A panel connection assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first and second projections are formed, respectively, on third and fourth elongate components engageable with the first and second components.
 13. A panel connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second locking member comprises a face plate adapted to cover a gap between the first and second panels.
 14. A pre-fabricated panel for a building, the panel being generally planar and having a first major side and a second major side, the panel comprising: a core formed from a thermally insulative material; a first skin layer extending over the core on the first major side of the panel; a second skin layer extending over the core on the second major side of the panel; at least one opening in the panel for receiving an anchor of a panel connection assembly according to claim
 1. 15. A panel according to claim 14, comprising a structural frame extending at least partially around the core, wherein the at least one opening extends into the structural frame. 